Photographic developing machine automatic cutoff

ABSTRACT

In a machine for processing photographic film, a main switch in the main power supply to the machine is normally held in the closed position so the machine runs. A timing circuit is reset each time film is fed into the machine. At a set time after the last film is fed into the machine, an electro magnetic solenoid opens this main switch to automatically cut off the machine. A thermostatic switch is provided in the solenoid circuit to inactivate the solenoid to permit the machine to turn on again in the event the machine becomes cool.

[111 3,745,368 [4 1 July 10, 1973 PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE 3,087,405

4/1963 Sachs et AUTOMATIC CUTOFF [75] Inventor: Oliver V. Spicer, Lubbock, Tex. Primary Examiner fleman Hohauser [73] Assignee: Interstate Instruments, Inc., Attorney-Charles Cofiee Lubbock, Tex.

ABSTRACT 22 Filed: Aug. 16,1971

21 Appl.No.: 172,183

In a machine for processing photographic film, a main switch in the main power supply to the machine is normally held in the closed position so the machine runs. A timing circuit is reset each time film is fed into the machine. At a set time after the last film is fed into the machine, an electro magnetic solenoid opens this main switch to automatically cut off the machine. A thermostatic switch is provided in the solenoid circuit to inac- C. 95 a e D h 4 a 9 6 6 l lHR n 7 a 7" on w. WW m .M9 n mmmfl m Wm PS2 """0 MM. mmm S l mu" n" U W3 um wm n MN unfit e M In 81 R D... C00 ug d 3 um C UIF 1]] 3 2 8 m. Mwfifi tivate the solenoid to permit the machine to turn on again in the event the machine becomes cool.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure 30, PM. A. 1

PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPING MACHINE AUTOMATIC CUTOFF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED A PPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 887,716, of the same title, filed Dec. 29, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,619,542.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to photographic developing machines and more particularly to a device for automatically cutting off a machine at a fixed period of time after film is fed therein.

2. Description of the Prior Art Before my invention, there were a large number of machines in use for automatically developing photographic film. These machines are generally of two categories.

The first is called herein the graphic arts machines. These machines are primarily used for developing film used in photoengraving or photolithographic processes, although they are used, generally, for developing photographic film for pictorial purposes.

The second category of these machines is called medical arts machines. These machines are used primarily to develop X-ray film as used in hospitals and medical clinics.

Machines of both categories have conveyors for moving film through different reagent tanks to develop, fix and dry the film. Depending upon the category and type of film and machine, it takes the film about 90 seconds to 7 minutes to be processed through a machine. It is desirable to cut the machine off after the last film is processed to save wear and tear upon the machine. On the other hand, it is imperative that the machine not be cut off while film is being processed because film delayed too long in one reagent or the other, or over drying rolls, spoils the film.

With different people using the machine, it is almost impossible for any one person to shut the machine off after their film has been processed because someone else may have fed film into the machine and this film would still be in process.

Generally, in the graphic arts type machine, a longer period of time is taken to process the film and the final step of processing is drying the film. The heaters for drying the film in the graphic arts machines have time to warm up by the time the film reaches this point. These machines are not used on an emergency basis; therefore, the machine may be cut off when not in use because as soon as the machine is started, film may be fed into the machine without waiting for the machine to warm up.

Medical arts machines usually process the film in a shorter period of time and also need to be available for operation on an emergency basis.

Some cutoffs on the market, before my invention, have thermal circuit for purposes of cutting the machine off. In these machines an electrical element is heated by a short burst of current each time film is fed into the machine; then, the machine is cutoff when the thermal element cools down. These thermal devices have not proven satisfactory because after several hours of use, they become extremely hot and instead of cooling off in 7% or 8 minutes, 30 minutes may be required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION New and Different Function My invention is to provide a positive cutoff, which has sufficient accuracy for the purpose and does not have accumulative delays therein. Specifically, machines upon which the automatic cutoff device is installed have a replenishing device.

Specifically, some of the machines, upon which the automatic cutoff device is installed, have a replenishing switch by which reagent tanks are replenished each time film is fed into the machine. The amount of reagent used to replenish the tank varies according to the size of the film. With my invention, this replenisher switch is used to start the timer running for a predetermined period of time. Inasmuch as most machines require 7 minutes to process the film, the timer is conveniently set on 8 minutes. Thereafter, each time the replenisher switch is activated, this electrical impulse is used to re-start the timing circuit.

In other types of machines, either a micro switch can be used when the film is fed into the rollers or a manual switch can be manually operated for the purpose of starting the machine's timer as well as the machine if it is not running.

The automatic cutoff switch to the main motor is a switch which is normally in the closed position, i.e., the contacts of this relay switch are spring-biased so the switch is closed unless there is an electrical force which opens the switch.

This has a definite advantage. The circuit is fail safe. I.e., if there should be a malfunction in the timing circuit or if the timing device should become unplugged or if any other mishap should occur, the inachine remains in safe position. The safe position for the machine is for it to remain running. If the machine remains running, it must be manually turned off at the end of the day and additional wear and tear upon the machine has incurred, which wear and tear is of small importance. However, the machine has not been improperly turned off during the processing of film. There has been no spoilage of film which would be of major importance. Therefore, the timing device may malfunction and if it does malfunction, there is practically no damage done.

If the timing motor or other timing circuits malfunction and it is necessary to disconnect them for repairs, it is not necessary to do any reqiring upon the machine or to by-pass the switch. The switches all remain in normal run" position. Anytime the timing circuit is disconnected, the main machine continues to function properly with the timing circuits removed for repair or replacement.

Also, these machines require cooling water. Before my invention, the cooling water was manually turned on at the beginning of the day when the machine was started and then manually turned off at the end of the day. In areas where water is plentiful, this may be satisfactory. I-Iowever, in areas of the country where there is a shortage of water, it is undesirable to leave the water running through the machine all day because of the loss of water. Therefore, I have provided a solenoid switch which cuts the water off unless the machine is running. I have connected this into the control device through an ordinary plug so that again if there is any malfunction, the solenoid switch may be pluged into any standard electrical outlet so the valve remains open and the water continues to flow through the machine. This invention provides an automatic cutoff which functions in a new and different manner.

Objects of the Invention An object of this invention is to provide a fail-safe automatic cutoff for a photographic developing machine.

Another object is to provide a device which has the necessary accuracy.

Further objects are to achieve the above with a device that is sturdy, compact, lightweight, durable, simple, safe, versatile, efficient, and reliable, yet inexpensive and easy to manufacture, install, operate, and maintain.

Still further objects are to achieve the above with a method that is safe, versatile, efficient, and inexpensive, yet does not require skilled people to install, adjust, operate, and maintain.

The specific nature of the invention as well as other objects, uses and advantages thereof, will clearly appear from the following description of the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The FIGURE is a schematic representation of the electrical circuits for an embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED I EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing, a photographic development machine includes rollers 10, which represent means for conveying film through the reagent tanks (not shown). The rollers are driven by at least one maindrive motor 12. Some machines may have several motors, but schematically only one is shown or described. Also, it is necessary to keep different reagent tanks at a fixed temperature; therefore, heater 14 is provided for this purpose. In addition to the reagent heater 14, there is a dryer heater 15 in many machines. It is necessary to replenish the reagents within the tanks and therefore, replenisher 22 has been schematically illustrated.

It is emphasized that the drawing only schematically represents the machine.

There is a sourceof power 16 with two bus bars 18 and 20 with all the circuits receiving their power between the bus bars 18 and 20. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the motors might be direct current motors with rectifiers and other motors might operate on different voltage, and there would be various transformers for difierent parts; all of this is within the skill of the ordinary craftsman. Therefore, a schematic representation has been made of the equipment to show all of the equipment being connected between the two bus bars 18 and 20. E.g., the reagent heater is shown as attached by manual switch 24 so the reagent heater 14 with its switch 24 is attached in series from the bus bar 18 to the bus bar 20. The dryer heater 15 is connected parallel with the main drive 12 as will be explained in more detail later. It will be understood that the main power supply 16 could itself be on an automatic timing circuit control by the time of day. l.e., it would be turned on at 5 am. and turned off at 7 pm. for the graphic arts machines.

The main drive motor 12, connected to the rollers 10 by a transmission system, shown only by dotted line 26 in the drawing, is illustrated electrically connected in series with manual switch 28 and automatic cutoff or main switch 32. The replenisher 22 is connected in series with manual replenisher switch 30. In many of the commercial models, particularly the graphic arts machines, the manual switch 30 is in the form of a time switch so that according to the size of the film being processed, the switch 30 can be actuated for different lengths of time so the replenisher circuit 22 is activated for different lengths of time according to the size of the film being processed.

With the exception of the automatic turnoff switch 32, it will be understood that everything described above is conventional and forms a part of processing machines as they exist before my invention.

My invention is to add automatic cutoff 34 which is shown as a separate box. This separate box has nine terminals. Terminals 36 and 38 are power terminals. These are represented in the drawing as connected to bus bars 18 and 20, although it will be understood that the power to the automatic cutoff 34 could be received from any conventional source and not necessarily from the same power source 16 as a photographic development machine. Signal terminal 40 is the terminal by which the automatic cutoff device 34 receives the information or signal that film has been started through the machine. Inasmuch as the replenisher 22 will be activated by switch 30 each time film is started through the machine, on certain models, the terminal 40 is conveniently connected to the wiring of the replenisher circuit so each time the manual switch 30 is closed, the automatic cutoff device 34 will receive a signal through the terminal 40 that new work is beginning. Other type initiators of signals could be used. For example, if desired, a micro switch could be placed adjacent to the entry where film is started through the machine so that each time new film is started, the switch is activated. Also, the automatic cutoff device itself is provided with an internal manual starter signal switch 41, which can be manually pushed to indicate the new work is started.

Output terminals 42 and 44 are the terminals by which the cutoff switch 32 is connected in series with the main drive motor 12 and by which the power is supplied to the main drive motor 12.

Terminals 43, 45, 47, and 49, will be discussed in detail later.

Relay coil or solenoid coil 46 is connected in series from terminal 40 to power terminal 38. Therefore, each time film is added to the machine and a signal is supplied to terminal 40, there will be an electromagnetic pulse flowing through the input coil 46. This input coil 46 energy output will, in time, result in output energy from output relay coil 48. If the fuse 52 in the power supply to the cutoff box 34 were open or if manual switch 54 were open to the cutoff device, there would be no power to the output coil 48. If there is no power to the output coil 48, it will not produce output power; therefore, the automatic cutoff switce 32 will remain closed and the main drive motor 12 will remain running. Loss of power to the automatic cutoff device will always leave the mechanism in safe position with the main drive motor 12 of the photographic development machine in the operating position. Also, the entire timer 50 can be removed for repairs or replacement and this removal of the timer will leave the photographic development machine in operating position.

Looking specifically at the timer 50, input switch 60 will be opened each time the input coil 46 is energized. The input switch 60 is in a normally closed position and is opened only upon energization of coil 46. When the switch 60 is open, it removes power from electromagnetic clutch 62. This removal of power from the clutch 62 causes the clutch to relax, which allows the clock 64 to reset and resume timing. The clock 64 will reset to the time determined (example: 8 minutes) each time the clutch 62 relaxes. When the clock is timing or is set for any positive time, the clock switch 66 is connected so the power is transmitted from input switch 60 through the clock 64 to the power terminal 38. Also, the clock switch 66 is constructed so when the clock runs to zero time, the clock switch 66 will move to contact 68 which is connected to putput coil 48.

The connection between contact 68 and output coil 48 is through a thermal responsive switch 70. Thermal responsive switch 70 is physically located adjacent to the dryer heater and therefore, is connected into the circuit from contact 68 to coil 48 through terminals 43 and 45 in the cutoff box 34. The purpose of the thermal-responsive switch 70 is to provide stand'by condition for the developing machine. I.e., should the area wherein the switch 70 is located gets cold, the switch 70 opens; therefore, there would be no power to the coil 48 and therefore, switch 32 will be closed, permitting the machine to run. If it is not desired to have the machine on stand-by condition, the switch 70 may be by-passed by manual stand-by switch 72. It may be seen that the manual stand-by switch 72 is ganged or physically connected to manual switch 54 so there are three positions: first, an off" position whereby both switch 54 and manual stand-by switch 72 are open. In this position, it is impossible to provide energization to coil 48; therefore, the cutoff device is in an off position. The second position (which is shown in the drawing) is in on position, where both the manual switch 54 is closed and the manual stand-by switch 72 is closed. In this position, the photographic machine will be running, (i.e., the switch 32 closed only responsive to closing of the replenisher switch 30 or the special starter switch 31). Stated otherwise, in the on" position, the stand-by switch 70 is by-passed and, therefore, is ineffective. In the third or automatic position, the electric developing machine will be warmed by the heater 15, but it will be off unless the replenisher switch 30 or special starter switch 31 is closed.

The special starter switch 31 is an internal switch going from the fuse 52 to the terminal 40. It may be seen that momentarily closing the special starter switch 31- by its push-button has the same effect as the closing of the replenisher switch 30, which is to say it provides power to the input coil 46 to start the timing cycle.

Also, it is desirable to have certain auxillary equipment controls so it is energized when the photographic development machine is energized and not otherwise. Therefore, a standard electrical outlet plug 74 is provided in the cutoff box 34. It is electrically connected through terminals 47 and 49 to either side of electric motor 12 or in parallel with electric motor 12 and dryer heater 15. The specific purpose for which this plug is normally used is to energize solenoid valve 76 by male plug 78. I particularly desire to make plug 74 a standard two-pronged recepticle so the male plug 78 may be plugged into any ordinary electrical outlet otherwise. The valve 76 is opened when it is energized. Therefore, cooling water to the machine will flow through pipe 80 all the time the main machine motor 12 is running or operating and the dryer heater 15 is operating, but when the machine is not running, the water is turned off, thus conserving water.

As stated before, the drawing is only schematically represented and the cutoff box is represented by having the nine terminals put at different points on the box. Of course it will be understood that in actual practice, the terminals would be at one central location so a simple plug-in cable could be used to carry all of the electrical connections from the cutoff to the machine in a single cable. (The plug 74 is not considered a terminal). Having the wires all in a single cable has an additional advantage because the dummy plug may be used in case the cable is disconnected for repair or inactivation of the cutoff device within the box 34. Le, the cable could have a jumper between the wires normally connected to terminals 42 and 44 and therefore, the photographic development machine would be in the same condition as it was before the connections were made to connect the cutoff device to it.

The embodiment shown and described above is only exemplary. I do not claim to have invented all the parts, elements or steps described. Various modifications can be made in the construction, material, arrangement, and operation and still be within the scope of my invention. The limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims. The restrictive description and draw ing of the specific example above do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be, but are to enable the reader to make and use the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a photographic film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving work material through the machine in a processing cycle time, i b. at least one electric drive motor, drivingly connected to said conveyor means,

c. a main power line connected to the electric drive motor for supplying electric power thereto,

(1. a main power switch in the power line,

e. a heater which is not controlled by said main power switch, and

f. a reagent replenisher which is not controlled by said main switch;

g. the improved structure for opening the main power switch to automatically turn off the machine comprising in combination with the above;

h. timing device,

j. an electric control circuit,

k. a timing switch in the control circuit,

m. means connected to said timing device for opening the timing switch at all times the timing device is timing,

n. an electromagnetic coil in the control circuit for opening the main power switch when the control circuit is energized by the closing of the timing switch, and

0. means for starting said timing device responsive to activation of said reagent replenisher.

2. In a photographic film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving film through the machine in a processing cycle time, and

b. at least one electric drive motor, drivingly connected to said conveyor means;

c. the improved method of automatically turning off electric power to said electric drive motor, comprising the steps of:

d. supplying electric power to the machine through a switch which is normally closed,

e. opening said switch by f. energizing an electromagnetic coil, and

g. energizing said coil only after a timing device has been continuously energized a period of time as least as long as the processing cycle time,

h. said film processing machine also including an electric replenishing circuit means for replenishing reagents to said machine when energized, and

j. restarting said timing device responsive to energizing the electric replenishing circuit means.

3. In a film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving film through the machine in a processing cycle time,

b. at least one electric drive motor drivingly connected to said conveyor means, and

c. at least one heater to maintain some of the process- .ing machine elements at proper temperature,

d. the improved method of maintaining the machine in stand-by condition as well as automatically tuming the machine off comprising the steps of:

e. supplying electrical power to the machine through a switch which is normally closed,

f. opening said switch by g. energizing an electromagnetic coil,

h. preventing the energization of the coil i. a preset time after feeding film into the machine,

ii. in the event of equipment failure, or

iii. in the event that said machine elements fall below a preset temperature.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 with the additional limitations of j. said machine having cooling water flowing therethrough, and

k. electrical solenoid valve means for controlling the water flow responsive to energization of said main 7 drive motor.

5. in a film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving film through the machine in a processing cycle time,

b. at least one electric drive motor drivinglyconnected to said conveyor means,

c. at least one heater to maintain some of the processing machine elements of proper temperature,

d. a main power line connected to the electric drive motor for supplying electric power thereto, and

e. a main power switch in the power line;

f. the improved structure for maintaining the machine in stand-by condition as well as automatically turning off the machine comprising in combination with the above:

g. a timing device,

h. an electric control circuit,

j. an electro magnetic coil in the control circuit for opening the main power switch when the control circuit is energized,

k. time means for opening the control circuit responsive to the time since the last film was started processing, and

m. temperature means for opening the control circuit responsive to the temperature of the machine element to be maintained at proper temperature.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 with the additional limitations of n. restart means for restarting the time means each time film was started into the machine,

0. said restart means including an input electromagnetic coil, and

p. a switch on the timing device connected to the input coil as an additional start means.

7. The invention as defined in claim 5 with the additional limitations of n. cooling water to be supplied to the machine,

0. valve means for controlling the flow of cooling water responsive to the energization of the main drive motor.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 with the additional limitation of the valve means connected to the electric drive motor electrical circuits by p. a standard two-prong plug so the valve means may be readily energized from a standard outlet if desired.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 with the additional limitations of q. restart means for restarting the time means each time film was started into the machine,

r. said restart means including an input electromagnetic coil, and

s. a switch on the timing device connected to the input coil as an additional start means.

UNITED STATES PATENT oEEIcE CERTIFICATE OF (JORECTIGN Patent No. 3,745 368 Dated JulX 10, 1973 lnventofls) Oliver V. Spicer It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet item No. 63, "3,619,542" should read Signed and sealed this 19th day of February 1974.

(SEAL) Attest I EDWARD M.FLET( ZHER,JR. Y C MARSHALL DANN Attesting Offlcer Commissioner of PatentsuscoMM-oc scan-pea -'ORM PO-105O (10-69) US. GOVERNMENT IIINTIIdG OFFICE "I! O-lil-SSL UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF GORRECTIQN Patent No. 3 745 368 Dated July 10 1 973 :[nventor( I Oliver V. SpiCeI' It: is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet item No. 63, "3,619,542" should read Signed and sealed this 19th day cf February'l974.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M. FLETCHER, JR.

Attesting Officer MARSHALL DANN Cqmmissioner of Patents.

ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) uscdMM-nc scan-ps9 .5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE l9! O-flll-Sll. 

1. In a photographic film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving work material through the machine in a processing cycle time, b. at least one electric drive motor, drivingly connected to said conveyor means, c. a main power line connected to the electric drive motor for supplying electric poweR thereto, d. a main power switch in the power line, e. a heater which is not controlled by said main power switch, and f. a reagent replenisher which is not controlled by said main switch; g. the improved structure for opening the main power switch to automatically turn off the machine comprising in combination with the above; h. timing device, j. an electric control circuit, k. a timing switch in the control circuit, m. means connected to said timing device for opening the timing switch at all times the timing device is timing, n. an electromagnetic coil in the control circuit for opening the main power switch when the control circuit is energized by the closing of the timing switch, and o. means for starting said timing device responsive to activation of said reagent replenisher.
 2. In a photographic film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving film through the machine in a processing cycle time, and b. at least one electric drive motor, drivingly connected to said conveyor means; c. the improved method of automatically turning off electric power to said electric drive motor, comprising the steps of: d. supplying electric power to the machine through a switch which is normally closed, e. opening said switch by f. energizing an electromagnetic coil, and g. energizing said coil only after a timing device has been continuously energized a period of time as least as long as the processing cycle time, h. said film processing machine also including an electric replenishing circuit means for replenishing reagents to said machine when energized, and j. restarting said timing device responsive to energizing the electric replenishing circuit means.
 3. In a film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving film through the machine in a processing cycle time, b. at least one electric drive motor drivingly connected to said conveyor means, and c. at least one heater to maintain some of the processing machine elements at proper temperature, d. the improved method of maintaining the machine in stand-by condition as well as automatically turning the machine off comprising the steps of: e. supplying electrical power to the machine through a switch which is normally closed, f. opening said switch by g. energizing an electromagnetic coil, h. preventing the energization of the coil i. a preset time after feeding film into the machine, or ii. in the event of equipment failure, or iii. in the event that said machine elements fall below a preset temperature.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 3 with the additional limitations of j. said machine having cooling water flowing therethrough, and k. electrical solenoid valve means for controlling the water flow responsive to energization of said main drive motor.
 5. In a film processing machine having a. conveyor means for moving film through the machine in a processing cycle time, b. at least one electric drive motor drivingly connected to said conveyor means, c. at least one heater to maintain some of the processing machine elements of proper temperature, d. a main power line connected to the electric drive motor for supplying electric power thereto, and e. a main power switch in the power line; f. the improved structure for maintaining the machine in stand-by condition as well as automatically turning off the machine comprising in combination with the above: g. a timing device, h. an electric control circuit, j. an electro magnetic coil in the control circuit for opening the main power switch when the control circuit is energized, k. time means for opening the control circuit responsive to the time since the last film was started processing, and m. temperature means for opening the control circuit responsive to the temperature of the machine element to be maintained at proper temperature.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 5 with the additional limitations of n. restart means for restarting the time means each time film was started into the machine, o. said restart means including an input electro-magnetic coil, and p. a switch on the timing device connected to the input coil as an additional start means.
 7. The invention as defined in claim 5 with the additional limitations of n. cooling water to be supplied to the machine, o. valve means for controlling the flow of cooling water responsive to the energization of the main drive motor.
 8. The invention as defined in claim 7 with the additional limitation of the valve means connected to the electric drive motor electrical circuits by p. a standard two-prong plug so the valve means may be readily energized from a standard outlet if desired.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 8 with the additional limitations of q. restart means for restarting the time means each time film was started into the machine, r. said restart means including an input electromagnetic coil, and s. a switch on the timing device connected to the input coil as an additional start means. 